Job Description

Portglenone Community Playgroup is a community based, charitable preschool setting which aims to provide high quality Early Years education to children in their Preschool year within the local community.

We are looking for a Playgroup Assistant who is passionate, knowledgeable within the Early Years field and has a true passion and love for children to join our team.

(Temporary position until 30th June 2026).

The Playgroup Assistant will support the Playgroup Leader and Deputy Leader in ensuring that there is a safe, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families.

As a playgroup assistant you will:

1. Assist in ensuring that warm and inviting play spaces are set up for children indoors and outdoors which support their holistic development.

2. Support the team to ensure that the playroom is appropriately laid out before the session commences and is tidied up after the session ends. The Assistant helps to ensure and that equipment is safe and regularly checked in line with the DHSSPS guidance.

3. Attend and participate in all staff meetings and assist in the planning and preparation of the activities offered throughout the session to allow the children to experience the full breadth of the Curriculum as laid down in the Department of Education Guidance for Preschool Education.

4. Carry out regular observations and make an assessment of key child's needs within the group and plan daily to meet these needs.

5. Liaise with parents/carers and establish strong links

6. Listen to, encourage, enable and stimulate the children and to ensure they remain safe.

7. Attend relevant meetings and training opportunities outside of normal working hours as required. Course fees may be considered by the committee.

8. Show commitment to own personal development and growth

9. Adhere to Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies and Procedures.

10. Advise the Preschool Leader / Deputy Leader of any matter requiring attention, such as concerns about a child or equipment which needs to be repaired / replaced.

11. Keep strictly confidential any personal information regarding the children, their families or other staff which has been gained as part of the job. Such information must not be passed on unless it is in the interests of the child.

12. The list of responsibilities above is not exhaustive and the Preschool Assistant may be expected to take on other reasonable duties as assigned by the Preschool Leader.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

A qualification at QCF Level 2 in Childcare, Learning and Development or Playwork (or equivalent Early Years qualification)

Minimum of one year's experience working in a play, education, youth or daycare setting

Knowledge and experience of the Preschool or Foundation curriculum.

An understanding of child development and the importance of meeting the needs of the individual child.

Ability to identify concerns relating to the children and refer to the Preschool Leader

Ability to work as part of a team.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Friendly, caring and approachable.

Good working knowledge of ICT

Desirable criteria: QCF Level 3/ 5 (or working towards) in Childcare, Learning and Development

Experience of ETI Inspection and annual Social Services Inspection

Food Hygiene Level 2

Paediatric First Aid

Experience of working with SEN children

Hours of work: 20 hours M-F, temporary until 30th June 2026.

Hourly Rate : 12.30p/h

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 12.30 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

Early childhood education: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person